(Area) Trick-or-Treating is generally a low-risk activity; however, Iowa State Patrol Trooper and District #4 Public Information Officer Shelby McCreedy says there are some dangers present, and there are numerous things parents can do to keep their children safe.
Trooper McCreedy advises parents to plan a route for their children, set a curfew, and if the child is going to deviate from that route, make sure they notify their parent or guardian. Always walk on sidewalks, and never go into a stranger’s home.
McCreedy says one question quite often heard is how old my child should be before they can trick-or-treat on their own. She answers that, as a rule of thumb, children under ten must be escorted by a supervised adult.
Trooper McCreedy says children should not wear a mask for visibility reasons, avoid dark-colored costumes, reflective tape on the front and back, and around the legs and ankles if possible. McCreedy says costumes should fit properly to prevent tripping and falling, dress for the weather, put a phone inside the child’s outfit, and wear glow sticks.
